David Garrick (1916)
Comedy-drama, Biography | 1 May 1916
The 26 February 1916 Motography announced that the filming of the popular play David Garrick at the Pallas-Morosco studios at 201 North Occidental Boulevard in Los Angeles was completed. The elaborate work had been going on for several months "in secret, [with] not even the general offices knowing that the play was being filmed," because "contemplation of its filmization was evident among other producers." Producers withheld all information "until the final reel had been finished." According to the 22 April 1916 Motion Picture News, "The costumes are exact duplicates of several extravagant heirlooms of the period and the sets are the result of consultations with authorities on the subject. One of the features of the photoplay is a full sized reproduction of the stage, and clusters of candles were used in place of the present footlights. A replica of Drury Lane itself has been faithfully produced." The 6 May 1916 Motion Picture News added, "The atmosphere of London of that day has been carefully preserved. Several striking night scenes show theatre-goers in their sedan chairs, with link boys escorting them away from the famous old playhouse. These scenes are most attractive."
This film is listed in the Paramount studio records under the title David Garrick (A Man's Choice).
Wid's complimented the inter-titles' "use of border designs made from old wood cuts, which helped decidedly in maintaining the proper atmosphere."
The film opened on 30 April 1916 at the Strand Theater on Broadway in New York City, the 13 May 1916 Moving Picture World noted.
The July 1916 Motion Picture Classic ran a ...
The 26 February 1916 Motography announced that the filming of the popular play David Garrick at the Pallas-Morosco studios at 201 North Occidental Boulevard in Los Angeles was completed. The elaborate work had been going on for several months "in secret, [with] not even the general offices knowing that the play was being filmed," because "contemplation of its filmization was evident among other producers." Producers withheld all information "until the final reel had been finished." According to the 22 April 1916 Motion Picture News, "The costumes are exact duplicates of several extravagant heirlooms of the period and the sets are the result of consultations with authorities on the subject. One of the features of the photoplay is a full sized reproduction of the stage, and clusters of candles were used in place of the present footlights. A replica of Drury Lane itself has been faithfully produced." The 6 May 1916 Motion Picture News added, "The atmosphere of London of that day has been carefully preserved. Several striking night scenes show theatre-goers in their sedan chairs, with link boys escorting them away from the famous old playhouse. These scenes are most attractive."
This film is listed in the Paramount studio records under the title David Garrick (A Man's Choice).
Wid's complimented the inter-titles' "use of border designs made from old wood cuts, which helped decidedly in maintaining the proper atmosphere."
The film opened on 30 April 1916 at the Strand Theater on Broadway in New York City, the 13 May 1916 Moving Picture World noted.
The July 1916 Motion Picture Classic ran a photo-illustrated, short-story adaptation of Pallas' David Garrick scenario.
E. A. Sothern played the title role in the first stage production in 1864. The play was first filmed by Essanay in 1908 (see entry), starring Henry E. Dixey, who had toured with his own production for years.
Other movies based on the same source include four British films: one in 1912, two in 1913, and one in 1928. Warner Bros. released The Great Garrick in 1937, directed by James Whale and starring Brian Aherne, which was not based on the play, but on the life of Garrick.
The National Film Preservation Board (NFPB) included this film on its list of Lost U.S. Silent Feature Films as of February 2021.
In 1754 London, actor David Garrick, who is bringing about the acceptance of the stage among the aristocracy, falls in love for the first time with a woman watching him play "Romeo" from a prominent box at the Drury Lane Theatre. He fails to learn her identity, and, after searching for weeks, despairs of finding her. Soon after, Simon Ingot, a wealthy tradesman, offers Garrick money to leave England, because his daughter Ada has fallen in love with the actor. Garrick refuses the money, and after giving his word as an actor that he will not marry any man's daughter unless her father asks with hat in hand, offers to cure Ada's fascination at a dinner party. Although Garrick discovers that Ada is the woman whom he loves, he honors his promise and behaves like a drunkard until she orders him to leave. When the story is told in a tavern, Ada's rejected suitor, dissolute Squire Richard Chivy, hears it and then tells Ada while he is half-intoxicated. Ada visits Garrick in his rooms where Ingot finds her, but after he realizes Garrick's true character, he consents to their ...
In 1754 London, actor David Garrick, who is bringing about the acceptance of the stage among the aristocracy, falls in love for the first time with a woman watching him play "Romeo" from a prominent box at the Drury Lane Theatre. He fails to learn her identity, and, after searching for weeks, despairs of finding her. Soon after, Simon Ingot, a wealthy tradesman, offers Garrick money to leave England, because his daughter Ada has fallen in love with the actor. Garrick refuses the money, and after giving his word as an actor that he will not marry any man's daughter unless her father asks with hat in hand, offers to cure Ada's fascination at a dinner party. Although Garrick discovers that Ada is the woman whom he loves, he honors his promise and behaves like a drunkard until she orders him to leave. When the story is told in a tavern, Ada's rejected suitor, dissolute Squire Richard Chivy, hears it and then tells Ada while he is half-intoxicated. Ada visits Garrick in his rooms where Ingot finds her, but after he realizes Garrick's true character, he consents to their marriage.
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